EPA To Review Health Risk From Popular Weed Killer

Updated on: October 7, 2009 / 12:23 PM
/ AP

The Environmental Protection Agency is re-evaluating the health effects of a popular weed killer that has been found in drinking water supplies.

The EPA said Wednesday it would take another look at the science on atrazine, an herbicide commonly used on corn and other crops, and decide whether further restrictions are needed to protect human health. Research has shown that runoff after rain storms can wash the chemical into streams and rivers, where it can enter drinking water supplies. New studies have shown that even at low levels atrazine in drinking water can cause low birth weights, birth defects and reproductive problems.

In 2003, under the Bush administration, the EPA allowed atrazine to continue to be used with few restrictions.